Matobo Rural District Council (MRDC) says it has received ZWL$21 million under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation program which will go towards improving the road infrastructure in the district.
Speaking at a recent full council meeting, the Chief Executive Officer, Elvis Sibanda said for its 2023 program, the Rural District Council seeks to cover 184 km.
“For the year 2023 Council was allocated a total of $107 491 028.61 for road maintenance under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation program. Council under its 2023 programme of works, intends to cover a total of 184 km of its planned works which are grading, bush clearing, culvert construction and gravelling,” said Sibanda.
He said the recent disbursement of $21 million will go towards services and repair of roads equipment and procurement of fuel for the commencement of maintenance grading according to the program of works.
Sibanda added that the Government has pledged to recapitalise road authorities by procuring graders, tipper trucks and front-end loaders.
“These pieces will go a long way in fostering the upgrading of our road network from earth to weather-resistant gravel roads,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sibanda told the councillors that the projects under the devolution funds which include Umlugulu clinic, Inhlupho clinic and Polimagama classroom block are still in progress.
“Umlugulu clinic is at its completion stage as we wait for the registration certificate from the Ministry of Health and Child Care, after which commissioning will be done. We, however, experienced some setbacks along the way as the borehole that was installed at the clinic is not functioning as expected. The contractor (Tungy water works) has been engaged to attend to the defects observed but he has been approaching the matter at a snail’s pace,” said Sibanda.
He however said the rural district council has taken legal action against the company to address the matter.
“The matter is now in the High Court. Though of late the company is on the ground fixing the borehole. The sluice hooper which was outstanding has been installed to the satisfaction of the Ministry of Health and Child Care.”
Sibanda added that a borehole is to be drilled at Inhlupho clinic in due course as procurement procedures are already underway.
“Polimagama classroom block construction, a new contractor (Vigilant marketing) has been engaged to complete this project. Currently construction works are underway. Roofing, internal and external plaster has been completed,” he said.
The CEO however bemoaned the late disbursements of devolution funds which has a bearing on the implementation of the planned devolution projects.
